New Delhi: Despite repeated directives from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, no interviews have yet been conducted for the selection of Heads of Department (HoDs) at three major central government hospitals in Delhi—Safdarjung Hospital, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC).
According to a report by The Times of India (TOI), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued four circulars since last year, the latest on October 31, inviting applications for HoD posts under the rotational headship policy introduced in 2023. Yet, despite multiple rounds of notifications in January, July, September, and now October 2024, not a single interview has taken place.
Leadership Positions Unchanged for Years
Due to the stalled process, several key departments at these premier institutions continue to function under the same leadership for years. The hospitals, however, maintain that they have forwarded all applications to the Directorate each time.
What the Current Round Covers
The new circular seeks applications for around 35 departments, including:
- Departments where HoDs have completed their six-year term
- Departments currently led by officiating heads
- Departments where HoDs are set to retire within six months
The deadline for applications is November 15.
Rotational HoD Selection Policy
The 2023 guidelines mandate
- Interviews every three years,
- Eligibility limited to professors or directors with 10 years’ experience in the speciality,
- At least one year of service left before retirement,
- A maximum of two terms per faculty member, and
- Term limits of three years or until the age of 62, whichever comes first.
If implemented, this would be the first major leadership reshuffle since the policy replaced the decades-old seniority-based system, which had long been criticised for promoting stagnation.
Faculty Raise Concerns
A senior faculty member told TOI,
“Advertisements have been issued thrice in the past year, but no interviews have taken place.”
Another doctor pointed out the operational impact:
“Officiating heads cannot take all administrative decisions, which affects day-to-day functioning and long-term planning.”
Faculty members argue that the delay is denying competent candidates an equal opportunity to contribute fresh energy and reform to the institutions.
Allegations and Official Stand
While the Health Ministry attributes the delay to administrative reasons, insiders claim interference by influential doctors with high-level connections is stalling the process.
A senior ministry official stressed the importance of the rotational system:
“Leadership needs periodic renewal through a formal process. This ensures continuity with transparency and equal opportunity.”
